Yogyakarta – Governing Board Meeting (GBM) is an annual event where each SEAMEO Centre seeks suggestions and approval from the GB Members regarding their achievements and proposed programme within one fiscal year. In this fiscal year’s GBM, SEAQiM reported its achievements and proposed programme in 8 Working Papers (WPs).
The whole activities of the 7th GBM lasted for three days from 27 to 29 September 2016 at Sheraton Yogyakarta Resort and Spa. This meeting involved several parties namely GB Members from 10 SEAMEO Members Countries, invited guests, observers, and SEAQiM officials. Unfortunately, GB Member from Myanmar was unable to participate in the meeting.
In her opening remark, Dr. Agnes Pascua Valenzuela, the Deputy Director for Programme and Development (DDPD) of SEAMEO Secretariat (SEAMES) expressed her gratitude to SEAQiM for being part of this important meeting.
She further said “I also acknowledged the key role of SEAMEO Secretariat such a meeting to provide the necessary information and updates”.
Figure 1. Dr. Agnes Pascua Valenzuela delivered her opening remark
The Head of the Centre for Education and Culture of Data and Statistics, MoEC of Indonesia, Dr. Bastari, expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to all individuals, organisations, regional governments, and other shareholders for their initiatives and efforts to develop education in the region.
He added “Specifically, SEAQiM has taken many efforts to meet the needs of mathematics teachers and education personnel in Southeast Asian countries,” and ended the remark by opening the meeting officially.
The opening ceremony was followed by the opening formalities. Mrs. Keomanivanh Phimmahasay, the GB Member from Lao PDR, who was appointed as GB Chairman led the session. One of the most important sessions in during the opening formalities was the endorsement of Chief Rapporteur. The GB Members unanimously agreed to elect Dr. Cynthia Seto, the GB Member from Singapore, as the 7th GBM Chief Rapporteur.
The presentation of the WPs, which undoubtedly became the main matter during the meeting, run very well. The discussion to seek input and approval from the GB Members was lively. Dr. Agnes Pascua Valenzuela also presented one WP from SEAMES entitled Significant Policies, Points, Agreements and Actions Taken on Key Agenda Items form SEAMEO Meetings in FY2015/2016.
Figure 2. GB Members paid attention to the presentation of WPs
On the next day of the meeting, GB Members reviewed the draft of the proceeding. The session was fruitful due to the prompt response from all GB Member to the flaws of the draft. The draft of the proceeding was finally adopted and all GB Members were requested to put their signature on the proceeding as approval.
On the third day, the GB Members were having an excursion to Borobodur Temple.
The 7th GBM was closed by the Director of SEAQiM, Prof. Subanar.